Wouldn't debt consolidation or bankruptcy just be better?
Debt consolidation is dangerous because you treat only the symptom of the problem. The debt and the habits that caused it are still there—you just moved the debt. You will pay about the same amount, which doesn't really help you pay your debts off faster. Most people take on more debt after consolidating or end up in bankruptcy because they didn't change their behavior.
Bankruptcy is a gut-wrenching, life-changing event that causes lifelong damage. Avoid it if at all possible. Bankruptcy is listed in the top five life-altering, negative events that one can go through. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is total bankruptcy, stays on your credit report for 10 years. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, more like a payment plan, stays on your credit report for 7 years. Bankruptcy, however, is for life. Loan applications and many job applications ask if you have ever filed for bankruptcy. Forever. A common misconception is that you can use credit repair services to fix the damage from filing bankruptcy. If you lie to get a loan because your bankruptcy is very old, technically you have committed criminal fraud.
How do I know if I need a counselor?
Financial coaching is the most hands-on of any of our services. Our counselors will help you develop a plan specific to your unique situation and help you implement this plan. Whether you're facing a crisis situation – bankruptcy, foreclosure, or creditors harassing you non-stop, or you need a plan for building wealth, help with a small business, or if you have some general questions about how to get on the right track with your money, financial coaching could be the right thing for you. Our counselors are trained to handle a wide variety of situations and will help you get very detailed advice and a highly specific plan to make your money work for you.
How can I pay for coaching when I am broke?
Financial coaching gives you a high level of detail and individual attention. As you move from reading one of Dave Ramsey's books, to attending Financial Peace University, to receiving financial coaching, the increasing cost reflects the increasing scope of resources devoted to you. Although financial coaching can be expensive, for some it is a necessity. For others, however, it is a luxury. You will have to decide where to draw the line.
If coaching is a necessity, then you also have to compare it to: 1) the costs of bankruptcy which can be $500-$2,000 in legal fees alone, or 2) the cost of credit counseling, which at $30-$50 per month for 4 years would cost around $2,000. Our fees are a bargain compared to these options, plus you'll have a plan to change your financial future. Many couples also find that by addressing their financial situation, the stress on their marriage is greatly reduced.
What if my spouse will not come? Can I still work with a counselor?
Our policy requires that both spouses attend the coaching. We have found over the years that coaching only half of the marriage does not work. This must be a team effort.
Try sitting down with your spouse in a non-distracting environment and communicate how much you love them and how much you want them to participate in the finances. Do not let this be a time to nag, yell, scream, etc. Tell him/her that attending financial coaching and/or Financial Peace University can be a Christmas/birthday/anniversary gift from them this year.
